10 Best Bits About Brittany, France

The time has come that summer scoots off for it’s hiberation. Holidays are up, funs over, kids. But, still I managed to squeeze in a little weekend break in France. Where? In my favourite place ever, obviously – Brittany.

I love taking some time out of my own little bubble to live in a different culture, even if it’s just a few days. It makes you realise what us Brit’s have and haven’t quite got right! Here’s my quick fire 10 best bits from Brittany.

The 10 Best Bits from Brittany

1) There are NO chain restaraunts

Really, there are no chain restaraunts in any small towns. And I can tell you, they are not missing out. Every typically French restaraunt you will end up in is absolutely divine. Check out L’Olliada in Grace Uzel. A little family run gem, hidden away in a cosy converted barn next to their home. French through and through.

Brittany LOlliada

2) Their bars serve you more than just a pint

Wander around and keep an eye out for a ‘Tabac’ sign, it will usually lead you into the local bar. Think of a place you can rock up for a coffee in the morning, or a beer later in the day. Add to that you can pick up your lottery ticket, smokes and even your baguette on a Sunday. Painfully and wonderfully French! Check out Edelweiss in Plessala for a friendly local bar with regular music nights. With a little feline reguluar too..

Edelweiss, Plessala, Brittany

3) It’s beautiful countryside

It’s a far cry from the London suburbs. You can go walking for miles. There’s fields of corn, cows grazing and every little village must have maintenance men that would be up to Kew Gardens standards, as all the plants are blooming beautiful. Not a motorway in sight (or in sound – bloody M25 on my doorstep!).

Plessala Brittany

4) All the wine is amazing

I am a wine drinking expert, but wine choosing expert? Not so much. So, it was a pleasant surprise that every glass was of seriously good quality. We didn’t bring back much honest..

Brittany Wine Run

5) There’s a lot to visit too

Okay, so when you do eventually want to break out of the sleepy countryside, there are so many cool towns to see and explore. Try Dinan (pictured below) for some charming old buildings, Pontivy for a spot of history, or St Brieuc for some shopping. There’s also the Mont St Michael to see on the way home.

Dinan Brittany

6) The boulangeries – They had a bread vending machine!

Bread is of serious importance in France. Out of hours? No problem, an actual baguette vending machine is located outside your closed Boulangerie! I love that I am not the only visitor to be amazed by this, as this French enthusiast blogger has made note too! Big up the a-m-a-z-i-n-g patisserie also.

Brittany Bakery

7) Strawberry Kronenbourg. Say no more

It’s a thing and it’s soooooo good. Kronenbourg avec fraise syrup.

Kronenbourg et Fraise Brittany

8) The friendliest locals

Strip away the stereotype about the French. I’ve made friends in France far quicker than any back home. Brittany has loads of ex-pat’s living the dream too, so most local villages expect a Brit or two. It’s a relief that their English is better than my French. The only picture I have is blurry, featuring my beau, red-wine drunk with our French buddies, playing piano (another story..) So, here’s a picture of Pontivy instead!

Pontivy Brittany

9) It spins at it’s own pace

Maybe it’s just me, living so close to London inevitably means that things are fast-paced big city style. One of the Breton charms is that you feel completely detached from that. Walking around sleepy villages, you realise that the illusion of busy = better is..well, rubbish. Even in the larger towns they seem more relaxed. Take the 12-2 lunch thing, annoying at first, but on closer inspection, it’s great. I bet their office workers never skip lunch!

Pontivy Brittany

10) The best bit? It’s only an hour away

Legit, you can fly to Brittany from London in less time that in takes me to commute to East London. It’s a 55 minute flight. In under an hour you can be in the bliss of the French countryside. Sorry to my international readers as that may not be quite so accurate..

Brittany Beret

Get up off the couch and book that trip! If my guide hasn’t tempted you enough than just think of all the airport toblerone you will have to bring back too (yep, munching as I write..).

 

xx

Yum

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